FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Race two of 2006 in the books

MEMPHIS, Tenn. –  NHRA South Central Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors completed the second of seven events for 2006 at Memphis Motorsports Park.  Randy Meyer scored the win in Top Alcohol Dragster and Jimmy Jones won in Top Alcohol Funny Car.

After qualifying in the fourth spot, Meyer earned the win in Memphis with a 5.332-second, 236.38 mph pass over Spencer Massey who broke and did not receive a time.  Meyer got to the final after beating a red-lighting Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., in the first round and in the semifinals the Spring Hill, Kan., resident ripped a 5.279-second, 275.39 mph pass against No. 1 qualifier Steve Torrence of Kilgore, Texas, who ran 5.348 seconds at 265.12 mph.  Meyer was the runner-up a few weeks ago at the NHRA national event in Gainesville, Fla.

For Massey, it was his second final round appearance in as many South Central division races.  The rookie driver out of Fort Worth, Texas, was runner-up to Torrence at the division's first race, in Belle Rose, La.

Top Alcohol Funny Car winner Jones won on the strength of a 5.825-second, 249.26 mph effort over the winner at the season opener, Jackie Stidham of Chickasha, Okla., who ran 5.864 seconds at 242.93 mph.  Like Meyer in the dragster category, Jones took out the No. 1 qualifier, Jon Johnson of Beaumont, Texas, in the semifinals.  Jones narrowly escaped the first round when Daniel Wilkerson, Springfield, Ill., broke before Jones slowed to an 11.630-second run.

It was also Johnson's second consecutive final round showing.  He was the runner-up in Belle Rose, La.

Joining Meyer and Jones in the winner's circle were Jeff Miller, Pearland, Texas, in Comp Eliminator; Brandon Wilkerson, Bowling Green, Ky., in Super Stock; Clarence Woodham, Wetumpka, Ala., in Stock Eliminator; Todd Senseney, Clarksville, Tenn., in Super Comp; Mike Fuqua, Hendersonville, Tenn., in Super Gas; Don Strickland, Red Bay, Ala., in Super Street; Terry  Blakely, Hope, Ark., in Sportsman Motorcycle; Earl Folse, Raceland, La., in Top Sportsman; and Brandon Chauvin, Gonzales, La., in Top Dragster.

South Central Division racers head to Ennis, Texas, near Dallas for the next NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event. The Texas Motorplex will host the third of six races in the division April 28-30.

The following are the final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Memphis Motorsports Park.

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Round 1
1) Steve Torrence, Kilgore, Texas, 5.311, 268.65 def.
8) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.607, 224.28

2) Spencer Massey, Ft. Worth, Texas, 5.639, 243.19 def.
7) Robin Samsel, Marion, Ind., 5.669, 251.63

3) Karl Brounkowski, Magnolia, Texas, 5.913, 243.41 def.
6) Brandon Pierce, Moore, Okla., 24.888, 24.31

4) Randy Meyer, Spring Hill, Kan., 5.609, 252.95 def.
5) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., foul

Semifinals
Massey, 5.366, 273.39 def. K. Brounkowski, 5.592, 258.27
Meyer, 5.279, 275.39 def. Torrence, 5.348, 265.12

Final
Meyer, 5.332, 236.38 def. Massey, broke.

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
Round 1
1) Jon Johnson, Beaumont, Texas, '05 Stratus, 12.193, 95.42 def.
8) Brian Grisham, Memphis, Tenn., '91 Probe, broke

2) Steve Harker, Gainesville, Ga., '99 Avenger, 9.250, 91.58 def.
7) Marty Nothstein, Orefield, Pa., '99 Firebird, foul

3) Jackie Stidham, Chickasa, Okla., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.668, 252.61 def.
6) Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow, Okla., '06 Monte Carlo, broke

4) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '99 Camaro, 11.630, 69.06 def.
5) Daniel Wilkerson, Springfield, Ill., '02 Firebird, broke

Semifinals
Stidham, 5.691, 253.28 def. Harker, 9.545, 88.37
Jones, 7.502, 221.52 def. Johnson, 8.095, 147.46

Final
Jones, 5.825, 249.26 def. Stidham, 5.864, 242.93

COMP ELIMINATOR
Jeff Miller, Pearland, Texas, '05 Cavalier, B/SMA, 8.283, 142.01 def.
Dale Spencer, Greenwood, Ind., dragster, F/ED, foul

SUPER STOCK
Brandon Wilkinson, Bowling Green, Ky., '69 Corvette, SS/BA, 12.648, 112.08 def.
Kenny Schindler, Hendersonville, Tenn., '71 Corvette, SS/CA, 9.233, 142.87

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Clarence Woodham, Wetumpka, Ala., '74 Nova, I/SA, 12.298, 86.20 def.
Jimmy Hidalgo Jr., Donaldsonville, La., '98 Camaro, B/FIA, 11.556, 114.86

SUPER COMP
Todd Senseney, Clarksville, Tenn., dragster, 8.900, 164.79 def.
Jerry Helfrich, Forney, Texas, dragster, 8.901, 174.37

SUPER GAS
Mike Fuqua, Hendersonville, Tenn., '00 Corvette, 9.912, 151.43 def.
Jerry Virgadamo, Metairie, La., '77 Vega, 9.918, 137.76

SUPER STREET
Don Strickland, Red Bay, Ala., '67 Chevy II, 10.895, 126.74 def.
Glenn Knapp, Baton Rouge, La., '69 Mustang, 10.882, 138.27

SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
Terry Blakely, Hope, Ark., '78 Kawasaki, 9.801, 128.80 def.
Jerry Pomilla, Conroe, Texas, '86 Suzuki, 8.773, 150.03

TOP SPORTSMAN
Earl Folse, Raceland, La., '68 Camaro, 6.873, 192.60 def.
Keith Daniels, Fort Worth, Texas, '97 Camaro, 7.462, 171.95

TOP DRAGSTER
Brandon Chauvin, Gonzales, La., 7.233, 186.92 def.
Mark Jones, Marrero, La., foul

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Torrence, Johnson hold on to No. 1 spots

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – In the final rounds of qualifying at Memphis Motorsports Park's NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event, Steve Torrence stayed in the No. 1 spot in Top Alcohol Dragster and Jon Johnson retained his top qualifier status in Top Alcohol Funny Car.

Torrence, a Kilgore, Texas, resident and the defending national and division champion in the class, did not improve on his initial qualifying run of 5.322 seconds at 265.33 mph but the effort was enough to hold off his rivals.  Spencer Massey, Ft. Worth, Texas, moved in to the No. 2 position with a run that was nearly even with Torrence.  The two faced off in the finals of the division's last race in Belle Rose, La., where Torrence took the win.

Beaumont, Texas' Johnson did improve on his No. 1 qualifying effort from Friday, making a 5.649-second, 252.38 mph pass today to stave off the competition.  Steve Harker of Gainesville, Ga., moved from the fourth qualifying place to No. 1 with his 5.663-second, 252.14 mph effort.

Super Stock competitor Robin Brown, Madisonville, Ky., also remained the top qualifier throughout the day as did Richard Taylor of Byhalia, Miss., in Stock Eliminator. 

All the other categories had new leaders when all was said and done.  In Comp Eliminator Sean Dodd, Double Oak, Texas, was No. 1 and joining him were Rich Gentili, Humble, Texas, in Sportsman Motorcycle presented by Harley Davidson; Earl Folse, Raceland, La., in Top Sportsman; and Houston's John Garner in Top Dragster.

Racing continues Sunday morning at 9. Gates open at 8 a.m.  Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children 6 to 12.  Kids 5 and under are admitted free.  For more information call Memphis Motorsports Park, (901) 358-7223.

The following are Saturday's final qualifying results and Sunday's first-round pairings for TAD and TAFC at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Memphis Motorsports Park:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Steve Torrence, Kilgore, Texas, 5.322 seconds, 265.33 mph
2) Spencer Massey, Ft. Worth, Texas, 5.322, 263.87
3) Karl Brounkowski, Magnolia, Texas, 5.450, 259.71
4) Randy Meyer, Spring Hill, Kan., 5.485, 266.79
5) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.502, 255.92
6) Brandon Pierce, Moore, Okla., 5.511, 250.04
7) Robin Samsel, Marion, Ind., 5.973, 233.84
8) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 6.383, 174.59
Not Qualified
9) Tim Bowgren, Valparaiso, Ind., 8.370, 100.18
10) David Brounkowski, Cypress, Texas, 9.797, 72.79

First round TAD pairings
1) Steve Torrence, Kilgore, Texas, 5.322 seconds, 265.33 mph vs.
8) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 6.383, 174.59

2) Spencer Massey, Ft. Worth, Texas, 5.322, 263.87 vs.
7) Robin Samsel, Marion, Ind., 5.973, 233.84

3) Karl Brounkowski, Magnolia, Texas, 5.450, 259.71 vs.
6) Brandon Pierce, Moore, Okla., 5.511, 250.04

4) Randy Meyer, Spring Hill, Kan., 5.485, 266.79 vs.
5) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.502, 255.92

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Jon Johnson, Beaumont, Texas, '05 Stratus, 5.649 seconds, 252.38 mph
2) Steve Harker, Gainesville, Ga., '99 Avenger, 5.663, 252.14
3) Jackie Stidham, Chickasa, Okla., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.729, 245.18
4) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '99 Camaro, 5.782, 247.57
5) Daniel Wilkerson, Springfield, Ill., '02 Firebird, 5.805, 240.21
6) Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow, Okla., '06 Monte Carlo, 6.165, 181.03
7) Marty Nothstein, Orefield, Pa., '99 Firebird, 6.370, 174.93
8) Brian Grisham, Memphis, Tenn., '91 Probe, 6.392, 221.31
Not Qualified
9) Steve Burck, Corpus Christi, Texas, '06 Camaro, 6.585, 222.66

First round TAFC pairings
1) Jon Johnson, Beaumont, Texas, '05 Stratus, 5.649 seconds, 252.38 mph vs.
8) Brian Grisham, Memphis, Tenn., '91 Probe, 6.392, 221.31

2) Steve Harker, Gainesville, Ga., '99 Avenger, 5.663, 252.14 vs.
7) Marty Nothstein, Orefield, Pa., '99 Firebird, 6.370, 174.93

3) Jackie Stidham, Chickasa, Okla., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.729, 245.18 vs.
6) Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow, Okla., '06 Monte Carlo, 6.165, 181.03

4) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '99 Camaro, 5.782, 247.57 vs.
5) Daniel Wilkerson, Springfield, Ill., '02 Firebird, 5.805, 240.21

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Sean Dodd, Double Oak, Texas, '05 Cobalt, B/AA, 7.006 seconds, -0.774 (under index)
2) Don Winget, Richmond, Ind., '05 Cobalt, C/SMA, 8.182, -0.748
3) Rodger Brogdon, Tomball, Texas, '04 Cavalier, D/SM, 8.408, -0.742
4) Michael Johnson, Springdale, Ark., '03 Cavalier, F/SMA, 8.664, -0.726
5) Richard Freeman, Pauls Valley, Okla., '05 Pontiac, B/AA, 7.074, -0.706
6) Jimbo Fields, Gallatin, Tenn., '04 Cavalier, H/SM, 9.034, -0.706
7) Dale Spencer, Greenwood, Ind., dragster, F/ED, 8.291, -0.689
8) Brad Zaskowski, Grand Rapids, Mich., '92 Camaro, H/SM, 9.051, -0.689
9) Brian Self, Hempstead, Texas, '04 S-10, C/SM, 8.253, -0.687
10) Shane Heckel, LaPorte, Texas, dragster, B/D, 6.614, -0.686

SUPER STOCK
1) Robin Brown, Madisonville, Ky., '66 Chevy II, SS/K, 10.057 seconds, -1.243 (under
index)
2) Bobby Dennis, Shorter, Ala., '95 Acheiva, GT/JA, 10.377, -1.223
3) James Caro, Houma, La., '03 Stratus, GT/CA, 9.479, -1.221
4) Bill Sharpe, Louisville, Ky., '95 Achieva, GT/IA, 10.302, -1.198
5) Tim Cole, Collierville, Tenn., '96 Corvette, SS/AX, 8.667, -1.183
6) Scooter Anderson, Bartlett, Tenn., '67 Nova, SS/G, 9.570, -1.180
7) Todd Frantz, Louisville, Ky., '67 Chevy II, SS/GA, 9.674, -1.176
8) Jim Smiley, Springfield, Tenn., '91 Calais, SS/BM, 8.528, -1.172
9) Shaun LeBlanc, Bartlett, Tenn., '88 Mustang, GT/A, 9.128, -1.172
10) Brandon Wilkinson, Bowling Green, Ky., '69 Corvette, SS/BA, 9.032, -1.168

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Richard Taylor, Byhalia, Miss., '01 S-10, M/FIA, 15.458 seconds, -1.492 (under index)
2) John Livingston, Murfreesboro, Tenn., '90 Camaro, E/FIA, 11.337, -1.263
3) Ben Wenzel Sr., Freeland, Mich., '67 Camaro, D/S, 10.566, -1.234
4) James Harrison, Albion, Ill., '66 Nova, K/SA, 11.718, -1.232
5) Dempsey Pendarvis, Gonzales, La., '01 Firebird, B/FIA, 10.470, -1.230
6) Amy Faulk, Memphis, Tenn., '01 Firebird, C/FIA, 10.773, -1.227
7) Mike Welfel, Nashville, '69 Camaro, H/SA, 11.234, -1.216
8) Bobby Mahlosky, Greenville, Ky., '73 Nova, I/S, 11.285, -1.215
9) Billy Lynn, Searcy, Ark., '95 S-10, H/FIA, 12.262, -1.188
10) Austin Ford, Spring, Texas, '67 Shelby, D/SA, 10.664, -1.186

SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
1) Rich Gentili, Humble, Texas, '83 Suzuki, 0.000 seconds reaction time
2) Eddie Glaze, Houston, '90 Suzuki, 0.001
3) Ken Kinsella, Paris, Tenn., '95 Suzuki, 0.003
4) Peter Pollet, Paulina, La., '88 Harley, 0.003
5) Dale Detrie, Faribault, Minn., '83 Suzuki, 0.005
6) Delbert Ready, Houston, '82 Kawasaki, 0.006
7) Chris Oravecz, Canal Winchester, Ohio, '81 Suzuki, 0.007
8) Toby Geise, Atwater, Minn., '05 Kawasaki, 0.007
9) Jerry Pomilla, Conroe, Texas, '86 Suzuki, 0.008
10) Demetra Brooks-Glaze, Houston, '03 Kawasaki, 0.008

TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Earl Folse, Raceland, La., '68 Camaro, 6.804 seconds, 203.43 mph
2) J. Lee Didier II, Fort Smith, Ark., '04 Cavalier, 6.848, 202.70
3) Joseph Mohana, Bourg, La., '05 Cobalt, 6.875, 202.39
4) Kyle Cannon, W. Helena, Ark., '03 Cavalier, 7.076, 193.68
5) Jeremy Glidewell, Corinth, Miss., '95 Cutlass, 7.090, 192.14
6) Billy Vaughn, Knoxville, Tenn., '92 Camaro, 7.182, 190.48
7) Greg Hinds, Arab, Ala., '63 Corvette, 7.266, 188.75
8) Don Peden, Edinburg, Ill., '05 Cobalt, 7.307, 190.67
9) Corey Glidewell, Corinth, Miss., '95 Camaro, 7.316, 188.41
10) Steve Hand, Mustang, Okla., '67 Corvette, 7.361, 185.31

TOP DRAGSTER
1) John Garner, Houston, 6.943 seconds, 193.82 mph
2) Andre Landry, Pierre Part, La., 7.007, 189.52
3) Lynn Smalley, Cottage Hill, Ill., 7.077, 187.11
4) Gary Mock, Prairieville, La., 7.112, 192.63
5) Mike Nicoll, Tickfaw, La., 7.199, 186.41
6) Andrew LeBlanc, Abbeville, La., 7.217, 184.90
7) David P. Strain, Kenner, La., 7.223, 184.67
8) Brandon Chauvin, Gonzales, La., 7.225, 186.64
9) Mark Jones, Marrero, La., 7.249, 187.39
10) Timmy Graves, Denham Springs, La., 7.291, 183.24

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Torrence, Johnson lead qualifiers

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The first rounds of qualifying are complete at Memphis Motorsports Park's NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event.  Steve Torrence of Kilgore, Texas, set the pace in Top Alcohol Dragster and Beaumont, Texas, racer Jon Johnson led the pack in Top Alcohol Funny Car.  Both drivers put more than a tenth of a second between themselves and the No. 2 qualifiers.

Torrence's 5.322-second, 265.33 mph pass put him ahead of Karl Brounkowski of Magnolia, Texas, and Spring Hill, Kan., resident Randy Meyer.  Brounkowski ran 5.450 seconds at 259.71 mph and Meyer came in just behind him with a 5.485-second, 266.79 mph run.

Torrence is the reigning Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Top Alcohol Dragster national champion and South Central division titlist.  He won the division's season opener in March.

Johnson laid down a 5.675-second, 252.38 mph pass in the opening session.  Defending division champion Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, ran 5.782 seconds at 247.57 mph to put him in the No. 2 position ahead of Springfield, Ill., racer Daniel Wilkerson with a 5.805-second, 240.21 mph effort.

Tomball, Texas' Rodger Brogdon led the Comp Eliminator contingent while Robin Brown, Madisonville, Ky., was No. 1 in Super Stock.  In Stock Eliminator Richard Taylor, Byhalia, Miss., was No. 1 with his 1966 Chevy II.  In the Sportsman Motorcycle class presented by Harley Davidson, Houston's Eddie Glaze headed up qualifying.  The Top Sportsman leader was Kyle Cannon of West Helena, Ark., who is the defending division champion in the class, and Andre Landry, Pierre Part, La., was the top qualifier in Top Dragster.

Racing continues Saturday and Sunday at Memphis Motorsports Park.  Gates open at 8 a.m. each day.  Final qualifying and time trials start Saturday at 9 a.m. and eliminations begin Sunday at 9 a.m.

Tickets are $20 Saturday and $20 Sunday.  A two-day ticket is $35.  Children 6 to 12 are $5 each day and kids 5 and under are admitted free.  For more information call the track, (901) 358-7223.

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Memphis Motorsports Park:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Steve Torrence, Kilgore, Texas, 5.322 seconds, 265.33 mph
2) Karl Brounkowski, Magnolia, Texas, 5.450, 259.71
3) Randy Meyer, Spring Hill, Kan., 5.485, 266.79
4) Brandon Pierce, Moore, Okla., 5.511, 250.04
5) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 9.816, 77.68
6) Tim Bowgren, Valparaiso, Ind., 10.251, 77.40
7) David Brounkowski, Cypress, Texas, 19.401, 54.99

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Jon Johnson, Beaumont, Texas, '05 Stratus, 5.675 seconds, 252.38 mph
2) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '99 Camaro, 5.782, 247.57
3) Daniel Wilkerson, Springfield, Ill., '02 Firebird, 5.805, 240.21
4) Steve Harker, Gainesville, Ga., '99 Avenger, 5.861, 247.25
5) Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow, Okla., '06 Monte Carlo, 6.165, 181.03
6) Brian Grisham, Memphis, Tenn., '91 Probe, 6.392, 221.31
7) Marty Nothstein, Orefield, Pa., '99 Firebird, 10.430, 68.64
8) Steve Burck, Corpus Christi, Texas, '06 Camaro, 11.033, 73.12

COMP
1) Rodger Brogdon, Tomball, Texas, '04 Cavalier, D/SM, 8.433 seconds, -0.717 (under index)
2) Sean Dodd, Double Oak, Texas, '05 Cobalt, B/AA, 7.068, -0.712
3) Brian Self, Hempstead, Texas, '04 S-10, C/SM, 8.253, -0.687
4) Dale Spencer, Greenwood, Ind., dragster, F/ED, 8.326, -0.654
5) Brad Zaskowski, Grand Rapids, Mich., '92 Camaro, H/SM, 9.089, -0.651
6) Chad Voges, Lafayette, Ind., '02 Camaro, L/AA, 9.130, -0.640
7) Jeff Miller, Pearland, Texas, '05 Cavalier, B/SMA, 8.158, -0.632
8) Scott Cashio, Ventress, La., '02 Cavalier, G/SMA, 8.828, -0.622
9) Richard Freeman, Pauls Valley, Okla., '05 Pontiac, B/AA, 7.162, -0.618
10) Shane Heckel, LaPorte, Texas, dragster, B/D, 6.686, -0.614

SUPER STOCK
1) Robin Brown, Madisonville, Ky., '66 Chevy II, SS/K, 10.101 seconds, -1.199 (under
index)
2) James Caro, Houma, La., '03 Stratus, GT/CA, 9.507, -1.193
3) Bill Sharpe, Louisville, Ky., '95 Achieva, GT/IA, 10.314, -1.186
4) Tim Cole, Collierville, Tenn., '96 Corvette, SS/AX, 8.672, -1.178
5) Shaun LeBlanc, Bartlett, Tenn., '88 Mustang, GT/A, 9.145, -1.155
6) Bobby Dennis, Shorter, Ala., '95 Acheiva, GT/JA, 10.457, -1.143
7) Red LeBlanc, Bartlett, Tenn., '69 Mustang, SS/F, 9.512, -1.138
8) Abe Loewen, Regina, Sask., '98 Grand Am, SS/DM, 9.065, -1.135
9) Todd Frantz, Louisville, Ky., '67 Chevy II, SS/GA, 9.722, -1.128
10) Jim Smiley, Springfield, Tenn., '91 Calais, SS/BM, 8.579, -1.121

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Richard Taylor, Byhalia, Miss., '01 S-10, M/FIA, 15.458 seconds, -1.492 (under index)
2) Dempsey Pendarvis, Gonzales, La., '01 Firebird, B/FIA, 10.470, -1.230
3) Mike Welfel, Nashville, '69 Camaro, H/SA, 11.234, -1.216
4) Bobby Mahlosky, Greenville, Ky., '73 Nova, I/S, 11.285, -1.215
5) Larry Hill, Hickory, Ky., '71 Charger, F/SA, 10.982, -1.168
6) Austin Ford, Spring, Texas, '67 Shelby, D/SA, 10.683, -1.167
7) James Harrison, Albion, Ill., '66 Nova, K/SA, 11.789, -1.161
8) Ben Wenzel Sr., Freeland, Mich., '67 Camaro, D/S, 10.651, -1.149
9) Greg Hill, Louisville, Ky., '71 Camaro, E/SA, 10.873, -1.127
10) Jody Simoneaux, Napoleonville, La., '02 Firebird, A/FIA, 10.210, -1.090

SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
1) Eddie Glaze, Houston, '90 Suzuki, 0.001 seconds reaction time
2) Ken Kinsella, Paris, Tenn., '95 Suzuki, 0.003
3) Chris Oravecz, Canal Winchester, Ohio, '81 Suzuki, 0.007
4) Jerry Pomilla, Conroe, Texas, '86 Suzuki, 0.008
5) Dale Detrie, Faribault, Minn., '83 Suzuki, 0.009
6) Bruce Calhoun, Hope, Ark., '84 Ninja, 0.011
7) David Latino, Donaldsville, La., '05 Suzuki, 0.020
8) Michael Nash, Texarkana, Texas, dragster, 0.035
9) Toby Geise, Atwater, Minn., '05 Kawasaki, 0.038
10) Mike McCullah, Houston, '00 GSXR, 0.038

TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Kyle Cannon, W. Helena, Ark., '03 Cavalier, 7.129 seconds, 192.69 mph
2) Jeremy Glidewell, Corinth, Miss., '95 Cutlass, 7.133, 191.38
3) Earl Folse, Raceland, La., '68 Camaro, 7.243, 150.25
4) Don Peden, Edinburg, Ill., '05 Cobalt, 7.345, 188.94
5) Greg Hinds, Arab, Ala., '63 Corvette, 7.371, 186.69
6) Larry J Smith, Ridgeland, Miss., '94 Cutlass, 7.529, 180.65
7) Steve Hand, Mustang, Okla., '67 Corvette, 7.545, 183.67
8) Ed Stuart, Pensacola, Fla., '04 Cavalier, 7.595, 180.81
9) Jerry Donovan, Columbia, Tenn., '63 Corvette, 7.656, 179.25
10) Mike Kokenes, Crest Hill, Ill., '64 Polara, 7.927, 128.20

TOP DRAGSTER
1) Andre Landry, Pierre Part, La., 7.007 seconds, 189.52 mph
2) Brandon Chauvin, Gonzales, La., 7.230, 186.36
3) Timmy Graves, Denham Springs, La., 7.291, 183.24
4) Mark Jones, Marrero, La., 7.312, 185.89
5) Mike Fox, Charleston, Miss., 7.446, 178.02
6) John Maddox, Jacksonville, Texas, 7.470, 178.28
7) Mike Greene, Burleson, Texas, 7.506, 176.93
8) Jeff Wheeler, Kilgore, Texas, 7.579, 174.23
9) Peter Vicari, Morrero, La., 7.606, 172.21
10) Bob Collins, Kenner, La., 7.655, 169.83

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Reign of Torrence continues

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis Motorsports Park will host the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, March 24-26. It is the second of seven races on the NHRA South Central division's calendar. The event will feature drivers in eight classes racing for valuable points leading to divisional and national championships. The division's Sunset Racing Engines Top Sportsman Series, Top Dragster category and NHRA Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley Davidson will also be run in conjunction with the event.

Reigning Top Alcohol Dragster national and South Central division champion Steve Torrence (Kilgore, Texas) has picked up where he left off in 2005. The 22-year-old won the season opener at No Problem Raceway in Belle Rose, La. earlier this month where he was the No. 1 qualifier and posted the event's best elapsed time at 5.318 seconds.

In 2005 Torrence started his Top Alcohol Dragster career driving for legendary NHRA racer/tuner Tom Conway at the third race of the season at Red River Raceway in Shreveport, La. Torrence was runner-up at that event and never looked back as he posted wins at the final four events in the division as well as an out-of-division win in Topeka, Kan. The team also scored four consecutive NHRA national event wins including the prestigious U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.

Jackie Stidham (Chickasha, Okla.) opened 2006 with a win in his Top Alcohol Funny Car at No Problem Raceway. Like Torrence, Stidham, a six-time division champion, was also the top qualifier at the event and posted the weekend's quickest and fastest run at 5.584 seconds, 256.36 mph.

Last year Stidham won his first race in May, an out-of-division race in Great Bend, Kan., and he won again at the Lucas Oil race at Memphis Motorsports Park in June. The veteran racer's next best showing was at the division's race at Cherokee County Motorsports Park in Rusk, Texas, where he was runner-up to the eventual division champ, Jimmy Jones (Cleburne, Texas).

Defending division Comp Eliminator champion Rodger Brogdon (Tomball, Texas) also opened the year with a win over Craig Bourgeois (Metarie, La.). Last year Brogdon scored wins at Houston Raceway Park in Baytown, Texas, Memphis Motorsports Park, and Cherokee County Motorsports Park.

Kyle Cannon (West Helena, Ark.) will continue to defend his 2005 Top Sportsman title. Cannon took the win at Red River Raceway last year and was runner-up at Cherokee County Motorsports Park en route to his first division championship.

Gates at Memphis Motorsports Park open at 8 a.m. each day and qualifying and time trials start Friday at 9 a.m. and continue Saturday at 9 a.m. Top Sportsman and Top Dragster qualify at 4 p.m. Friday and at 10 a.m. and noon on Saturday. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car have qualifying sessions at 5 p.m. Friday and at 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday. Eliminations start Sunday at 9 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will run first round at noon.

Tickets for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series are $10 Friday, $20 Saturday and $20 Sunday. A two-day ticket is $35 and at full-event pass is $40. Children 6 to 12 are $3 Friday and $5 each Saturday and Sunday. Kids 5 and under are admitted free.

Memphis Motorsports Park is located at 5500 Taylor Forge Road in Millington, Tenn. For more information call the track, (901) 358-7223, or visit www.MemphisMotorsportsPark.com.

NHRA South Central division racers will continue the 2006 campaign in Ennis, Texas. The three-day Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event is slated for April 28-30 at the Texas Motorplex

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet
WHAT: NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, where drivers earn points leading to divisional and national championships. Categories include Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street. The event is the second of seven in South Central Division competition. The division's Sunset Racing Engines Top Sportsman Series, Top Dragster category and NHRA Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley Davidson will also be run in conjunction with the event.

WHERE: Memphis Motorsports Park, Memphis, Tenn. Track is located Track is located at 5500 Taylor Forge Road, in Millington, Tenn.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, March 24-26, 2006

SCHEDULE: Time trials and qualifying schedule for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series:

FRIDAY, Mar. 24 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 9 a.m. Top Sportsman and Top Dragster will qualify at 4 p.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 5 p.m.

SATURDAY, Mar. 25 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Final qualifying and time trials are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Top Sportsman and Top Dragster will qualify at 10 a.m. and noon. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

SUNDAY, Mar. 26 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Eliminations begin at 9 a.m. Eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car begin at noon.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $10 Friday, $20 Saturday, $20 Sunday. A two-day ticket is $35 and a full-event pass is $40. Children 6 to12 are $3 Friday, $5 Saturday and $5 Sunday. Kids 5 and under are admitted free. For more information please call Memphis Motorsports Park, (901) 358-7223.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $176,250, as well as a chance at a share of the year-end purse of more than $560,000.

2005 EVENT  WINNERS: Steve Torrence, Top Alcohol Dragster; Jackie Stidham, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Rodger Brogdon, Comp Eliminator; Jeremy Duncan, Super Stock; George Cox, Stock Eliminator; Tommy Phillips, Super Comp; Jesse Serna, Super Gas; Glenn Knapp, Super Street

BONUS PROGRAMS:
NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES POINTS FUND -- a $561,000 point fund from Lucas Oil, which will be shared by 2006 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series divisional champions and national champions. Divisional awards include $8,500 each to the Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car champions; $3,000 to the champions in both Competition and Super Stock; $2,000 each to the champions in Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street. The seven national champions will share a bonus of $135,000.

JEG'S ALLSTARS: The best of the best from each of NHRA's seven divisions will compete for a share of the $100,000 point fund from Jeg's High Performance. The 2006 Jeg's Allstars event will culminate a year-long points battle between drivers in each of NHRA's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series' eight classes. The top points earner in each category will qualify to represent his/her division at the 2006 Jeg's Allstars. Points are based on in-division races only.

The winning division's team will share $20,000 and individual awards include $7,000 each to the Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car champions, $6,000 to champions in Comp Eliminator and Super Stock, and $4,500 to the Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street champions. Runners-up in all categories will earn $2,000 apiece. Each Allstars competitor will also receive a share of a $20,000 towing fund to get to the event.

This year, event sponsor, Jeg's High Performance, is offering a "double up" bonus to Jeg's Allstars participants. Any 2006 Jeg's Allstars champion who also wins the national event will have his/her Allstars prize doubled

Sunset Racing Engines Top Sportsman Series: Run in conjunction with the Lucas Oil Series, competitors in the Top Sportsman class are vying for division championships. The top points finisher will earn a year-end bonus of $1,000 and the runner-up will get $500. Top Sportsman racers may run the seven South Central Division Lucas Oil events as well as three Lucas Oil Series races in either the Southeast or North Central Divisions.

NHRA SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE SERIES presented by HARLEY DAVIDSON: The NHRA Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley Davidson, run in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, is an opportunity for competitors in NHRA's Sportsman Motorcycle class to earn points toward divisional championships. The $14,000 champions' purse posted by Harley Davidson will be paid to 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place points finishers in NHRA divisions that host Sportsman Motorcycles.

FEATURES: More than 450 drivers in the eight racing categories. Eight-car fields in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, featuring five-second, 260 mph side-by-side racing.